U.S. President Donald Trump has again floated the idea of making Canada the 51st U.S. state, falsely claiming the U.S. subsidizes Canada by $200 billion annually and saying he’ll “always talk about that.” In an NBC Meet The Pressinterview, Trump didn’t rule out military force but deflected to discussing Greenland instead.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who meets with Trump on Tuesday, rejected any suggestion of annexation, stressing Canada’s sovereignty is “not up for discussion.” In his first press conference since winning the election, Carney said he expects “difficult but constructive discussions,” focused on tariffs and trade.

The Canada-U.S. relationship is strained by American tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, energy, and vehicles not compliant with CUSMA, with Canada retaliating with $60 billion in counter-tariffs. Trump has also criticized Canada’s defence spending.

Former Trump adviser Everett Eissenstat said the meeting is a positive step, though no major breakthroughs are expected. Carney, who leads a minority government, will need broad support at home to navigate this tense relationship.

Innovation Minister Anita Anand voiced confidence in Carney’s ability to protect Canada’s economic sovereignty, calling the meeting the “start” of a renewed dialogue.